Yup, I'm afraid paid drop-off is now the norm at UK regional airports.

I was actually quite impressed by STN a few weeks ago. Train service from Cambridge has been beefed up. Security has been vastly expanded. The shopping/eating offer is pretty good, despite the "exit through the gift shop" layout that MAG loves so dearly. Ryanair used the cobbled-together down and up walk to the pier (which was always designed for a people mover) to save on landing fees - you pay your money, you take your choice. Lots of seating and USB charging points around.

Arrival was fine, too - I was on EW, so caught the people movers, and was through e-passport gates in about 5 minutes from stepping on to the airbridge.

I realise it's not always like this - arrive mid-bank in August and it'll be a lot busier, as will not being able to use an e-passport. But I had little to complain about.